Watch Live: Covid-19 community cases, update on Auckland border
There are 194 new community Covid-19 cases - 180 in Auckland, five in Waikato, three in Northland and six in Lakes.
A man in his 60s with the virus died yesterday at North Shore Hospital, the Ministry of Health confirmed this afternoon. The man was admitted to hospital on November 4 with Covid-19 symptoms and subsequently tested positive.
"Our thoughts are with his family and whanau at this deeply sad time. The whanâu has been offered support by the DHB," The Ministry said.
One case has also been reported in Christchurch. The Ministry said interviews have determined a clear link to the Auckland cluster. The person flew back to Christchurch on flight NZ 1295 last Saturday, November 13 after travelling to Auckland for an event.
The person became symptomatic on Sunday and went for a test on Monday. They live in a household of six people who are now all isolating and will be tested.
Passengers on flight NZ1295 are advised to monitor for symptoms for the next 10 days and get a test today.
At the press conference at 1pm, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern confirmed there will be changes to Auckland's boundary from December 15.
“Aucklanders have faced restrictions for an extended period of time to keep the rest of New Zealand safe. But with increased rates of vaccination, it’s time to open up the ability to travel again."
People travelling out of Auckland will have to be either fully vaccinated or have a negative test within 72 hours of departure. This requirement will be in place for the core summer period of December 15, 2021, to January 17, 2022.
“Police will have operational discretion on the enforcement of these rules," she said.
Police will undertake random spot checks to enforce a range of laws on our roads, such as drink driving, and will take the same approach here. There will be an infringement fine of $1000.
“On the northern boundary, and the gateway to Northland, Police will work with Iwi to ensure people can move, but also that the people of Northland have confidence in the checks that are in place."
Checks for travellers out of Auckland Airport will be done at check-in, she said. Air NZ already has vaccination and testing requirements in place. Inter-islander ferries will be allowed to require proof of vaccination or a negative test to travel between Wellington and Picton.
“As you can see we have given special consideration to the South Island. The combination of the vaccine or testing requirement for Air New Zealand combined with the ability for the inter-islander to operate the same regime will mean all entry points to the South Island will be well covered with checks."
Ardern said Cabinet will confirm on November 29 its decision to move Auckland to the new traffic light framework. She expects this transition to happen "soon" after that meeting, at which time Auckland will move into Red, the highest level.
The rest of the country will move to the new framework at the same time. She said the vaccine pass is "your ticket to summer" and is essential under the traffic light system. More than 60,000 people have already downloaded their vaccination pass this morning.
Further changes to the international border haven't been decided yet, Covid-19 Response Minister Chris Hipkins said. "We can't just simply throw the flood gates open, we want to do this in a managed way," he said.
